dug out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dug out" is correct, and it is used in written English.
The phrase is most often used in the sense of digging something out, usually from a physical location, but it can also occasionally be used metaphorically. For example, you could say, “I finally dug out the old photograph album from the attic.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Rescuers dug out his body.

The New York Times

Barras dug out a green one.

The New Yorker

The floodwaters even dug out the gravestones.

The New York Times

They dug out a victory.

The New York Times - Sports

He dug out a photo.

The New York Times

We dug out the sewage.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Investors dug out of that hole this week.

The New York Times

Dan Courtenay dug out various old underappreciated models.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

They constitute an impressive dug-out.

The Guardian - Sport

Jose Mourinho, sitting nearby in the dug-out, was ignored.

The Guardian - Sport

Through the bitterly cold winter many lived in dug-out shelters along the roadsides.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dug out" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context clearly indicates the non-literal meaning to avoid confusion. For instance, "He dug out an old memory" is acceptable if the narrative has prepared the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "dug out" when the action is simply 'finding' something readily available. "Dug out" implies effort or overcoming an obstacle to retrieve something, not just locating it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dug out" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a physical action of excavation or retrieval, often implying effort. As shown in Ludwig, it also can be used metaphorically. Ludwig confirms this as correct written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Sport

2%

Lifestyle

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dug out" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the action of retrieving something, often implying effort or excavation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of writing styles. While it can be used both literally and metaphorically, ensure clarity in metaphorical usage. Remember that "dug out" implies a deliberate action with some level of difficulty, differentiating it from simply 'finding' something. Ludwig's examples further highlight its diverse applications and confirm its frequent use in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excavated

This term is a formal synonym emphasizing the process of carefully removing earth.

unearthed

Implies uncovering something previously hidden or forgotten.

uncovered

Similar to unearthed, but can apply to both physical objects and information.

extracted

Focuses on removing something from a larger mass or context.

disinterred

Specifically refers to digging up something buried, often a body.

exhumed

A more formal term for disinterring, specifically referring to the removal of a body from a grave.

retrieved

Suggests recovering something that was lost or inaccessible.

recovered

Emphasizes finding something after a period of loss or difficulty.

brought to light

Metaphorically refers to revealing or discovering information.

identified

Highlights the process of recognizing or discovering something specific within a larger set.

FAQs

How is "dug out" used in a sentence?

The phrase "dug out" can be used to describe physically excavating something, as in "Rescuers "dug out" his body", or metaphorically, such as "I "dug out" my road bike instead".

What can I say instead of "dug out"?

You can use alternatives like "excavated", "unearthed", or "extracted" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "dug out" or "digged out"?

"Dug out" is the correct past tense and past participle of the phrasal verb "dig out". "Digged" is not a standard English form.

What's the difference between ""dug out"" and "found"?

"Dug out" implies effort or difficulty in retrieving something, whereas "found" simply means something was located. The floodwaters even "dug out" the gravestones versus I found my keys.